Buckle



P. W. WHITE ET AL BUCKLE Filed July 5, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 fnv@ @7571s f fabi/ii.

w f Matin] l Oct. 3, 1933.

Oct. 3, 1933.

P. w. WHITE Er AL 1,929,158

BUCKLE Filed ,July 3, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 M W7/QI@ 7M @@6:

of a ready adjustment.

1. UNITED yFlcl:

missers BUCKLE Paul W. White and Paul Heinze, Chicago, Ill., as-

Vsigners to Parva Products Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application July 3, i933. Serial No. 678,782

9 claims. (o1.l 24-73) This invention` relates toa slide buckle and has special reference to a device adapted to be mounted on straps, bands, and the like, for the support of garments or other` objects on'the person.

More particularly, this invention relates to slide buckles comprising slidably engaged frames for receiving a strap, band, orthe like, threaded therebetween, the frames cooperating to lock the strap in-.various adjusted positions upon the application of tension to the buckle. One of the l1 frame members is preferably provided with means for engaging the other of the frames to direct a relative transverse-movement of the frames upon a relative longitudinal movement thereof, to clamp the strap in various adjusted positions,

. as desired. Y

' The device of the present invention is adaptable for use with various types of objects, particularly on the person and may be employed with slight variations not departing from the spirit of the :L invention, universally where detachable connectionsare desired to be made. However, in the drawings and in` the following description the slidebuckle will be described and shown in its association with a strap of an overall, the strap being threaded between cooperating slidably engaged frames for adjustably clamping the strap relatively thereto and the bottom of one of the frames being preferably provided with anout- Wardly extending button-retaining loop forde- .tachable engagement with a button on a bib of the overall. It will, ofcourse, bey readily apparent that various other uses could be men- .tioned and that this invention is not to be limited tothe specic use herein described and illustrated.

IApplicant contemplates the Vprovision of a slide vbuckle formed y of two slidably engaged frames for the receptionY of a strap threaded therebetween, the frame members cooperating to grip eiiiciently and at the same time tovpermit The strap is held positively against slippingvafter an initial application of tension without the necessity Aof providing sharp projecting prongs or like gripping Ymein'- bers and Yis readily and conveniently drawn in either direction to adjust the strap longitudinally with a. maximum of ease.

v 'The buckle may preferably comprise a pairvof slidably engaged -frames having upper, lower and ,side bars providing openings therebetween v for receiving a strapthreaded therethrough. The

lower bar of one. of the frame members may be provided with means such as anfoutwardly `extending button-retaining loop for detachable engagement vwith an article to be supported, or the bar may be straight or otherwise formed to be sewed or otherwise fixedly attached to the article to be supported. A tension on the strap against the supported article produces a relative longitudinal movement between the frames in a directionoutwardly from each other and by reason of the provisionof a portion of one ofthe frames engaging'a tapered surface on the other of the frames, a relative transverse movement of the frames is likewise had to clamp the strap in any relative transversemovement upon a relative longitudinal movement thereof, and, in the other instance, thechannels being straight and the opposed edges having taperedportions, or one of the bars being tapered to provide for the relative transverse movement of the frames upon a relative longitudinal movement thereof. The relative transverse movement in the direction toward each other clamps the strap in adjusted position, while a relative movement in a direction away from each other causes the frames to loosen the strap for the purpose ofv adjustment. In the forms illustrated for use in connection "with overalls,y the lower bar of the'r main frame containingA the loop is provided with portions preferably integrally formed adjacent the loop i" which are displaced upwardly out of the plane thereof to deect the button to a position over the top frame when tension is relieved, whereby accidental disengagement of the button from the loop is prevented." These portions are shown in the drawings as being small humps raisedforwardly out of the material of the frame at the loop from the face of the buckle. 'The shank of the button `its in the loop below the plane of these portions and the head of the button rides thereover to be deected upwardly over the upper frame member. Further, portions of the lower bar containing the loop are provided with depressed port-ions extendingin the opposite direction from the above mentioned humps to facilitate the entrance of the button into the loop.

The gripping action accomplished by the tapered channels or bars is provided between a` bar on one of the frames and a cooperating bar on the other of the frames, one of the bars preferably The forms shown comprise the prohaving an offset or projecting'portion centrally of the over-all width of the bar for engaging the strap, the portion of the bar adjacent the sides of the frame being relieved to permit a more or less free movement of the edges of the strap for the reason that theseV edges varyin thickness. This variance of the strap is occasioned by reason of the edges of the strap being folded over and sewed together, the strap comprising a folded piece of material of tubular fashion. The edges are folded in order to obviate a raw edge, making the one side of the strap four folds of material and the center of the strap but two folds. Therefore, in order to obtain an even clamping of the strap, it is desirable to clamp thematerial of the strap at an intermediate portion thereof or, in other words,'at the portion of uniform cross-section. Y

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a buckle comprising a pair kof slidably engaged frames of the type hereinabove described, in which the strap threaded therethrough may be conveniently and easily adjusted in either direction,`

Another `object of this invention is' to provide a slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames of Athe character indicated above in which a relative longitudinal movement of the f frames provides a relative transverse movement for clamping the strap in adjustedpositions between the frames.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engagedframes, as hereinabove pointed out, in which the construction may be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, may be durable and simple in construction, `and simple in threading and in manipulation. Y

Other objects and advantages will be hereinafter more particularly pointed out and for a more complete understanding ofthe characteristic features of this invention, reference may now be had tothe following description when taken together withthe accompanying drawings, in which latter: Y

Figurev 1 is a face view of a buckle constructed in accordance with the teachings o f this invention, in which the buckleis shown as connecting tion of a bib of an overall;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view of Figure 1;

i Fig. 3 is a side elevational v iewof Figure 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged central vertical sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1, showing a clampedpositicn of the strap;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing the bib portion and associated button in dotted lines and also showing a changed position of the frame members to an unclamped position;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the frames of the buckle construction illustrated in Figure 1; 1

Fig. 'I isa perspective view of the other of the frame members of the buckle construction shown in Figurel; i Y

Fig. 8 is a face view of an assembled buckle of a modified form of construction, employing the teachings of this invention;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged central verticalsectional viewtaken on the line 9 9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of one of the frame members of the buckle construction shown in Fig. 11 is a perspective View of one of the other frame members of the construction shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 'is a face view of an assembled buckle, showing another modified form of construction, employing the teachings of this invention;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged central vertical sectional view taken on the line 13-13 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14,s a face view ofan assembled buckle of still another modified form constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention; and

Fig. 15 is an enlarged central vertical sectional View taken on the line 15'-15 of Fig. 14.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to `'7, inclusive, thereof, the construction therein shown comprises a pair of framemembers 20 and 21, the frame member 20 being substantially rectangular having cross bars such as the upper and lower bars 24 and 25, sides 22 and 23, and an intermediate cross bar 26 defining substantially rectangular slots 27 and 28, as shown more particularly in Fig. 'I of the drawmgs.

The frame member 21 is likewise substantially rectangular in shape and comprises sides 29 and 30, cross bars in the form of an upper bar 31 and a lower bar 32 defining a substantially rectangularly-shaped opening or slot 33, as shown more particularly in Fig.y 6 of the drawings. The bar 32 of the frame 21 isfshaped to define a loop 34, the button receiving opening 35 of which opens into the rectangularly-shaped slot 33 of the frame. Portions 36 of the loop 34 are offset up- Wardly or forwardly with reference to the remainder of the face of the loop for reasons, which will hereinafter be more fully explained. Fur.- ther, adjacent each displaced portion 36 the lower bar 32 is provided with offset portions 37 which portions arev displaced to extend in a direction rearwardly of the loop 35 for facilitating the entrance of the button into the loop, as will hereinafter be more clearly explained.

The frame membersf20 and 21 forming the slide buckle may be conveniently stamped from sheet metal or otherwise formed of a unitary construction so that the commercial production of the buckle is thus facilitated. In the stamped buckle, the bars or frames are preferably dished or arci-form in cross-section to result in the strengthening of the buckle and the use of a relatively light-gage metal. The sides 29 and 30 of the frame 21 are preferably bent back upon themselves in a spaced relation to form channels for receiving the opposed edges 22 and 23'of the frame 20.` In the form shown in the present figures, the upper edges 38 and 39 of the channels are tapered or offset with respect to the plane of the'frame. The lower bar 40 of the frame 20 is, as hereinbefore stated, of arci-form cross-section, the section being uniform throughout the entire width of the frame. The opposed edges 22 and 23 are, however, in the present example, not dishedexcepting at the lower end adjacent ythe lower bar 40 in a transverse direction or across the width of the sides.

The lower bar 25 of the frame 20 is preferably provided withan offset-inner edge in the form preferably of a tongue 41 which extends overa .central portion thereof and beyond the' adjacent outer ends thereof. The edge of the tongue 41 is preferably at the lowest point or lower than the lowest point inthe plane of the bar 25 and the width of the tongue terminates substantially Within the inner edges of the frames for purposes which will hereinafter be more apparent.

' The frame members 20 and 21, when inv anassembled condition, cooperate to clamp a strap 42 in various adjusted positions, the free end of the strap 42 being passed under the bar 24 upwardly through the opening 27 over the bar 26 and thence downwardly through the slots 28 and 33 to a position behind the loop 34, which threading is shown most clearly in Figs. 4 and 5. In the position shown in Fig. 5, the strap is free to be adjusted in either direction, the slots in the respective frames being substantially aligned and no clamping action being obtained between the bars.

However, when it is desired to clamp the strap in anV adjusted position, a tension on the strap 42 provides a relative longitudinal movement of the frame members in opposite directions, the frame 20 moving upwardly with the strap and the frame 2l remaining in a iixedrposition relatively to a button 43, a shank 44 of which rests at the lower end of the button loop 35. In this case, the button is shown as being attached to a bib 45 of an overall.

The relative longitudinal movement thus effected by the 'nsion of the strap 42 produces a relative transverse movement of the frames in a direction toward each otherto clamp the strap in a fixed position between the tongue 41 vand the bar 31, the offset bar 40 riding over the tapered upper edges 38 and 39 of the channels. The channels, being tapered or converging upwardly, move the bar 25 in a direction toward the lbar'31 whereby the tongue 41 being at the lowermost point of the transverse plane of the bar engages the strap-42. Inasmuch as the tongue 41 extends only over a central portion of the bar 25,'the clamping engagement thereof with the strap occurs only over a central portion of the strap. It is, of course, to be understood that full engagement of the bar of the strap may be had, although in most instances it is desirable to engage merely the central portion thereof, since one or both of the' outer ends of the strap may be of a substantially greater thickness than the intermediate portion thereof. Ordinarily, the intermediate portion'of the strap is of uniform crosssection and we have indicated our preferred form therefore as comprising a bar in which the central portion only thereof engages the strap.

In use, the strap 42 will be threadedly engaged between the frames 20v and 21 of the buckle in a manner previously described and the button will be engaged with the loop 35. The introduction of the button into engagement with the loop is facilitated by virtue of the fact that the frame 21 is provided with downwardly extending offset portions 37 which are adapted to engage the peripheral edge of the button to direct the same forwardly to a position where the shank of the button is engaged in the opening 35 with the underneath head of the button engaging the front face of the loop. As long as there is a relative pull between the strap and the button, the button will remain in the lowerportion of the loop 35. If, however, this relative pull should be relieved andthe button should slip upwardly in the loop, the portions 36 will deflect the button forwardly over the lower bar 25 of the frame 20 to prevent its accidentally being engaged from the button loop. Head-room may be provided in vboth of the buckle frames 20 and 21 by a slight curvature of the bar 25 as indi` cated at 46 and a slight curvature in the bar 31 of the frame 21 as indicated at 47.

The buckles, in their condition as shown in Fig. 4, are substantially locked and clamp the strap 42 in such position. When it is desired .torelease the .strap from itsvclampedposition, a pull on the free -end of the strap 42v while holding the frame 21 ina stationary position, or a mere pressure of the nngers on the upperportion of the frame 20 and the lower portion of the frame 80 21 will move the frame members longitudinally toward each other to permit a transverse movement away from each other until the cooperating slots are substantially in register. This condi-v tion of the buckle frames Vis shown more particularly in Fig. 5. l

Referring now, more particularly to Figs. 8 to 11, inclusive, a modified form of construction is illustrated in which 'the slide buckle comprises a pair of frames 48 and 49, both of which frames, 9 0 generally speaking, are the same as the frames 20 and 21 previously described and a detailed de scription of the vvarious elements of` the entire construction, therefore, is not believed to be required. However, the points of mechanical 0 6 difference will be discussed, and it will be noted that the Vchannels 50 and 51 formed Von opposed sides of the frame 49 are true channels, that is, the upper surfaces of the channel members are substantially parallel with the lower portions thereof. The channels may thus be said to be of substantially uniform cross-section throughout the length thereof. However, in order to obtain a relative Ytransverse movement of the frames upon a relative longitudinal movement thereof 106 to clamp the strap in adjusted position between the frames, the opposed sides of thel frame 48 are provided each with tapered offset portions 52 and 53 or projections in which the exposed surfaces are inclined with respectto the plane 11,0 of the frame for engaging the channels 50 and 51, respectively. Y

The frame members 48 and 49, when in an assembled condition, cooperate to clamp a strap 54 (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9) in various 115 adjusted positions, the opposed sides of the frame 43 having slidable movement inthe channels with the tapered offset portions 52 .andv 53 engaging the upper surfaces of the channels 50 and 51, respectively. A tension on the'v strap 1 1) 54 moves the frame 48 upwardly as the lower frame 49 is held in a fixed position by reason of its engagement with a button of a bib of an overall. This relative longitudinal movement between the frames 48. and 49 promotes a trans- 1% verse movement thereof by reason of the tapered offset portions 52 and 53 engaging the straight sides of the channels 50 and 51, respectively. Such relative transverse movement of the frames provides a clamping between the bars of the w frame with the strap therebetween when the frames are moved in one' direction, and when the frames are moved in an opposite direction the bars are released to permit a free movement of the strap therebetween in the same manner as 1,35V

previously described with referenceto the first embodiment.

Referring now more particularly to the embodiment illustrated in` Figs.` 12 and 13 of the drawings, a pair of frames 55 and 56 are shown 140 which are preferably stamped from sheet-metal, substantially the entire portions of which are dished for the purposeof strengthening the` construction and reducing the thickness of the material necessary to a minimum. The frame 55 145` comprises. cross bars such as the upper and lower `bars 57 Vand 58 with an intermediate cross bar 5 9 62 substantially centrally thereof terminating a extending toward the interior of the frame, the

` sideor edge portions of the bar 58 `being thus relieved to permit the lfree passage of the edges ofthe strap which, inlmost instances, are of a thicker -cross-section than thatV of the intermediate portion thereof,` as previously explained. The frame 56 is' providedvwithan upper-bar 63 and a lower bar 64 connecting spaced sides 65 and 66, the sides, in turn, being formed to produce channels, upper edges 67 and 68, of which are preferably straight or extend in the same plane as that of the plane of the frame. l

Y A loop 69 is preferably'provided in the lower bar 64 of the frame 56 and has a loop opening 70' extending to the interior of the frame for the lreception of a button of an overall bib, or the like. The upper bar 63 of the frame 56 is preferably tapered over the entire laterally extending surface thereof, ior-is offset with respect to the plane of the frame of whichl it is a part. This tapered surface or offset portion provides the dished surface employed for strengthening the frame Yas'well las cooperating with the center offset portion 62 of the barl 58 to clampingly hold a strap 71 in a fixed adjusted position.

The frame members and 56, when in an assembled condition, cooperate to clamp the strap 71 in various adjusted positions, the free end of the strap-71ib'eing threaded in the rear. of the bar` 57 forwardly overA the topof Vthe bar 59 and downwardly under vthe bar 58Vbetween the offset portion 62 thereof and the tapered surface of the bar 63 andrearwardly behind the loop 69.v v vThe frames'are slidably engaged, the opposed sides and 61 of the frame 55 engaging the channels 67 and'68'of the frame 56. Offset portions 72 and 73 may preferably be provided on the sides 60-and 61 of the frame 55 for engagement with the underneath surfaces of the channelsV 67 and 68. A pull or ytension of the strapl 71 provides a relative longitudinal movement of Vthe frames, theframe 55 moving upwardly and the frame 56 being4 held inja stationary condition rbyfthe button Vof the bib. Such relative longitudinal movement provides atransverse movement of theframe to clamp the strap in adjusted position therebetween, the offset portion 62'of the bar 58 moving forwardly inthe direction of the inclined plane of the bar 63 until the strap is clamped therebetween, as shown more `particularly in Fig. 13. When it is desired to loosen the strap within the frames, a pull on the free .end'of the strap as the frame 56 is held against movement permits the registration or `substantial alignment of the relative slots in the frames and a movement of the tongue in a direction away from the inclined surface, which action may likewise be accomplished by a manual manipulation of the frames themselves.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 14 -and 15, an embodiment is illustrated in which slid- 'ably' engaged frames 74 and 75 may be adapted for use in connection with other objects on the personisuch, for example, as lingerie.v In this illustration, al lower bar 76 of the, frame 75 is .not-.provided with a loop for `engagement with .the button but connects the opposite sides of the frame in a substantially straight plane. This n .bar may be sewed or otherwise xedly attached ception of the'loop, the action of the rest of the construction in connection with the strap associated therewith being the same. y

While several embodiments of this invention are herein shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof may be apparent to those skilled in the art without ueparting from the spirit and scope of this invention and, therefore, the same are only to be limited by thev scope Vof the prior art and the appended claims.

We claim: 1

1. A slide buckle, comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed face to face in a spaced substantially parallelrelation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for defining slots to receive a strap threaded therethrough, means on one of said frames for engaging the other of said frames to direct relative transverse movements of said frames toward and away from each other upon relative longitudinal movements thereof, the spacingof said frames being s'uiiicicnt to permit said strap to be clamped in adjusted-positions between the opposed faces of cooperating cross bars of said frames by the transverse lmovement of said frames toward each other upon 'the tensioning of said strap, said strap extending through a slot in one of said frames thence between said faces and through a slot in the other of said frames.

2*. A siide buckle, comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed face to face in a spaced substantiaily parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for defining slots to receive a strap threaded therethrough, one of said frames having. a portion the exposed surface ofwhich is inclined with respect to the plane thereof for engaging the other of said frames to direct relative transverse movements of said frames toward andaway from each other upon reiative longitudinal movements thereof, the spacing of said frames being sufficient to permit said strap to be clamped in adjusted positions between the opposed faces of cooperating crossA bars of said frames by the transverse movement of said frames toward each other upon the tensioning of rsaid strap, said strap extending through a slot in one of said frames thence between said faces and through a slot in the other, of said frames.

3.1A slide buckle, comprising a pair of slidabilynengaged frames disposed face to face in a spaced substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for defining slots to receive a strap threaded therethrough, the side bars of one of said frames being bent to forni channels to receive the sidebars of the lother of said frames in slidable engagement, and means cooperating with the walls of said channels to direct relative transverse movements of said frames toward and away from each other upon relative longitudinal movements thereof, the spacing of said frames being sufficient to permit said strap to be clamped in adjusted positions between the opposed faces of cooperating cross bars of said frames by the transverse movement-or said frames Atoward each Vother .upon the tensioning of said strap, said strap extending through a slot in one of said frames thencebetween said faces and through a slot in the other of saidy frames.

4. A slide buckle, comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposed face to face in a spaced substantially parallel relation, said frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said threaded therethrough, the side bars of one of said frames being bentto form channels having inclined surfaces to receive the side bars of the other of said frames in slidable engagement, and means cooperating with said inclined' surfaces to direct relative transverse movements of said frames towardl and away from each other upon relative longitudinal movements thereof, the spacing of said frames being sufficient to permit said strap to be clamped in adjusted positions between the opposed faces of cooperating cross bars Vof said framesby the transverse movement of said frames toward each other upon the tensioning of said strap, said strap extending through a slot in one of said frames thence between said faces and through a slot in the other of said frames.

5. A slide buckle, comprising a pair of frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars defining slots for receiving a strap threaded therethrough, the side bars of one of said frames being bent to form channels to receive opposed edges of the other of said frames in slidable engagement and a cross bar of one of said frames cooperating with a cross bar of the other of said frames to clamp said strap, at least a portion of the exposed surface of one of said cooperating cross bars being inclined with respect to the plane of said frames for directing relative transverse movements of said frames toward and away from each other upon relative longitudinal movements thereof for controlling the coaction of said cooperating cross bars to adjust the position of said strap.

6. A slide buckle, comprising a pair of frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars defining openings for receiving a strap threaded therethrough, the side bars of one of said frames' being bent to form channels to receive opposed edges of the other of said frames in slidable engagement and a cross bar of one of said frames cooperating with a cross bar of the other of said frames to clamp said strap, and projections adjacent the opposed edges on said other frame, said projections being tapered and cooperating with the walls of said channels for directing relative transverse movements of said frames toward and away from each other upon relative longitudinal movements thereof for controlling the coaction of said cross bars to adjust the position of said strap.

'1. A slide buckle, comprising a frame having spaced sides and a third side forming a loop opening into the interior of the frame for receiving a button, a bar connecting said spaced sides for'engaging a strap, a second frame for Vslidably engaging said first mentioned frame and having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars defining an opening through which said strap is threaded, one of said cross bars being disposed adjacent said loop opening to prevent accidental disengagement of said button from said loop and overlying said first mentioned bar in an operative position, and means on one of said frames for engaging the other of said frames to direct relative transverse movements of said frames toward and away from each other upon relative longitudinal movements thereof to clamp said strap in adjusted positions between said overlying bars.

8. A slide buckle, comprising a frame having spaced sides and a third side for attachment with an article to be supported, a bar connecting said spaced sides for engaging a strap, Va second frame for slidably engaging said rst mentioned frame and having side bars and crossbars connecting said side bars for defining an opening through which said strap is threaded, one of said cross bars overlying said first mentioned bar in an operative position and having projecting means over a central portion thereof terminating a substantial distance from the inner edges of said spaced sides, and means on one of said frames for engaging the other of said frames to direct a relative transverse movement of said frames toward each other upon a relative longitudinal movement thereof to clamp said strap at a central portion thereof between said projecting means and said rst mentioned bar whereby that portion of the strap having a uniform thickness is presented for said clamping action.

9. A slide buckle, comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars to define openings for receiving a strap threaded therethrough, and means von one of said frames for engaging the other of said frames to direct a relative transverse movement of said frames upon a relative longitudinal movement thereof, said strap being clamped in adjusted positions between bars of said frames by the transverse movement of said frames toward each other upon the tensioning of said strap, one of said strap engaging bars having an intermediate projecting edge portion thereof terminating a substantial distance from the inner edges of said side bars for engaging a central portion only of said strap whereby that portion of the strap having a uniform thickness is presented for said clamping action.

PAUL W. WHITE. PAUL HEINZE. 

